Unique car-share program allows free drive of Hyundai Ioniq

Borrow the Ioniq EV for free, starting January 2017

Hyundai Motor Company and WaiveCar, an all-electric car-sharing program, recently announced their partnership that will allow motorists to drive the all-new Hyundai Ioniq EV compact car for free.

The partnership, proposed by WaiveCar as part of Hyundai’s Project Ioniq open call, allows consumers to drive Ioniq EVs on-demand for two hours at no charge.

In exchange, the vehicle is covered in advertising. It also includes a roof mounted digital display, which generates the advertising revenue WaiveCar uses to offset costs. WaiveCar's digital displays are 4G connected enabling dynamic, geo-targeted advertising tailored to ones driving location and time of day.

“The Ioniq offers emissions-free transportation to on-the-go Angelenos. This partnership allows us to reach potential customers and give them the opportunity to test drive our outstanding Ioniq electric while generating awareness for the Ioniq brand at the same time,” said Mark Dipko, director of corporate planning and strategy at Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai said that the program, which will launch in 2017, aims to make it easy for those without a vehicle to access short-term, free, and engaging transportation. By simply downloading WaiveCar's app for iPhone or Android, one can borrow an Ioniq EV for free.

No cards or keys are necessary. WaiveCar unlocks the door for consumers via remote and find the keys inside. Insurance is also part of the all-inclusive-deal.

For 2 hours, the user can drive the Ioniq for free and pay for the extended hours. They can also return the car at any designated spot for the next user to pick up. This kind of free floating car-sharing model allows more users to use the same car, reducing congestion and pollution on a much larger scale.

“Providing low cost, eco-friendly transportation alternatives to consumers is our core mission and offering the Ioniq will accelerate that goal. We believe this partnership will be tremendously beneficial for Hyundai, WaiveCar, our customers, and the environment,” said Zoli Honig, WaiveCar’s CTO & Co-Founder.

WaiveCar said that they plan to add 150 Ioniqs to be deployed around Los Angeles in the first half of 2017. Aside from this, the company is also planning to launch in three additional cities by the end of 2017 using 250 more Ioniqs.